The intense heat wave in Delhi NCR is causing significant discomfort for residents, exacerbated by rising humidity levels. Although the temperature reached 41.7 degrees Celsius on Friday, the “real feel” temperature soared to 50.8 degrees Celsius due to high humidity caused by the moist easterly winds, making conditions even more unbearable despite a 2.4-degree drop in the maximum temperature. Weather officials predict little relief shortly.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has started measuring the heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, which factors in both temperature and relative humidity, providing a more accurate representation of the impact of a hot summer day.
What is a ‘Real feel?’
“Real feel,” also known as “feels like” or the heat index, is a measurement that indicates how the temperature feels to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. It considers factors such as relative humidity and ambient temperature to provide a more accurate sense of how it feels when temperatures rise.
The IMD began calculating the heat index starting April 1. Previously, the Met Department solely relied on forecasting heatwaves based on the maximum temperature.
The combination of humidity and heat is particularly harmful to human health because it hampers the body’s ability to cool down through sweating. The heat index measures this by considering both relative humidity and ambient temperature, and it applies to conditions recorded in the shade. Another measure, the wet-bulb temperature, indicates how conditions feel outdoors; when it exceeds 32°C, people face an extreme risk of adverse health effects.
What has caused the ‘Real Feel’ Temperature to Soar?
The rise in the “feels like” temperature has been brought upon by the moist easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal. These winds have increased humidity in the environment, making the day perceptibly uncomfortable in the national capital notwithstanding a 2.4-degree drop in the maximum temperature on May 23. They persisted until May 25, after which dry westerly winds from Rajasthan will take over. This change may cause heatwave conditions to return to isolated parts of Delhi.
The IMD had issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for Delhi on Saturday, the day for the national capital’s Lok Sabha Elections, signalling potentially challenging weather conditions during the polling. But now the IMD has lifted the red alert for extreme temperatures on Saturday, which came as a relief for Delhiites who cast their vote on May 25.
Delhi logged a minimum temperature of 30.6°C, which was four degrees above normal. IMD said nights should remain warm, with the minimum possibly hovering around 31°C till Sunday.
Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju emphasised the significance of the heat index in a reply in the Rajya Sabha last July, stating, “Currently, the heat index is calculated using an equation similar to that employed by the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA. It offers guidance on the extra precautions individuals should take to alleviate discomfort.”
How to stay safe in such weather conditions?
Weather officials have issued a warning for people to exercise caution and take extreme care of vulnerable individuals, including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases, due to the high risk of heat illness and heat stroke amid the ongoing heat wave. They have advised avoiding heat exposure, staying cool, and preventing dehydration by drinking plenty of water and consuming ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, torani, lemon water, and buttermilk.
Not only are people suffering from the sweltering heatwave, but animals are also feeling its effects. Delhi’s National Zoological Park has intensified its animal care efforts by providing water coolers, straw shelters, fruit ice balls, wall-hanging thermometers for temperature monitoring, and water showers to help keep the animals cool.
Temperature peaks power demand
In May, India’s peak power demand neared the anticipated 235 GW due to the increased use of cooling appliances during a severe heatwave. Experts attribute the surge in power demand to increased use of air conditioning and cooling appliances due to the weather conditions. Air conditioning alone can account for 30-50% of the total annual energy consumption in both domestic and commercial establishments.
Warm nights are expected in West Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, potentially worsening the discomfort caused by the ongoing heatwave.
So, here’s your reminder to sip some water and stay hydrated as we brave through these difficult summer days. Also, don’t forget to share your favourite way to dodge this scorching summer heat.
